Hey Ben Franklin and other subscribers,

Yes, that Ben Franklin–the guy on the hundred dollar bill, inventor of bifocals, and all-around Renaissance man. Who else could have subscribed to our newsletter from beyond the grave?

Not only was he a prolific letter writer (aka vintage emails), but he also loved making his life easier and more efficient through experimentation.

With that in mind, this month's newsletter is all about experimenting with the lesser-known features in your email software.

We’ve compiled 15 of our favorite features that you should check out and maybe you'll invent the perfect email campaign–Franklin style.

1. Dynamic content

💡Ben would love this one. Personalize your email content to each recipient's interests, behaviors, and preferences. It’s like sending secret messages that boost engagement and conversions.

2. Embedded quizzes

💡Who says emails have to be boring? By spicing up your content with engaging quizzes, you can turn your subscribers into active participants and keep them coming back for more!

3. Promo pop-ups

💡I know. Pop-ups can be super annoying. But when done right, with a clear purpose and specific action, they really work. I mean really, really work. Many ESPs offer a pop-up feature that lets you promote offers on your website.

4. Facebook lookalike audiences

💡Reach new audiences on Facebook who have similar interests, demographics, and behaviors as your existing email subscribers, website visitors, or mobile app users.

5. Automated RSVPs

💡Streamline event planning by automatically tracking and managing RSVPs and reminders via email. That way you'll have time to focus on more important things–like picking the perfect outfit. 👔

6. Website builder

💡Who has time to juggle multiple platforms and tools? Not us! Save time and effort by creating a website and email campaigns with the same platform.

7. Preference centers

💡Unsubscribes are like breakup texts–nobody wants them. Avoid the "it's not you, it's me" convo and reduce your unsubscribe rate by giving subscribers control over the frequency, type, and content of emails they receive.

8. Automated email sequence templates

💡As our wise Mr. Franklin once said, "Lost time is never found again." So don't waste another minute on manual email workflows! Build multi-step automations in minutes by customizing pre-designed templates. 

9. Real-time email validation

💡Use an email validation tool to ensure email addresses are accurate and deliverable in real-time to increase deliverability. Plus, you'll protect your sender reputation and avoid getting banished to the dreaded spam folder. 😱

10. NPS surveys + automation

💡Collect valuable customer feedback with Net Promoter Score surveys and automate follow-up workflows based on responses. For example, ask detractors how you can improve or invite promoters to leave a review online. Win-win!

11. Native Stripe integration

💡Some email marketing platforms offer in-built selling functionality to seamlessly drive more sales and trigger communication with customers in real time. It's like having an e-commerce platform without the extra expense. 😉

12. In-app image editing

💡Who needs a graphic designer when your ESP has an image editor? Edit and customize images directly within your email marketing platform to create eye-catching and engaging visuals. You might even start to feel like a digital Michelangelo–except with a lot less marble and a lot more GIFs. 

13. A/B testing in automated email sequences

💡You know who loved experimentation? I'll give you a hint: It rhymes with "Shmen Shmanklin". Test different variations of automated email content, subject lines, and sending times to optimize your automated email sequences.

By taking a cue from one of America's founding fathers, you'll be able to fine-tune your email campaigns and see some serious success. Who knows, maybe you'll even feel as wise as Ben himself!

14. Multiple workflow triggers

💡By triggering workflows based on multiple user behaviors or data points, you can craft messaging that's targeted, effective, and downright irresistible. It's like having your own personal marketing army that works around the clock to convert subscribers into customers.

15. SDKs

💡Say goodbye to the hassle of managing separate systems for email marketing and mobile/web applications! Email platforms should make it easy and seamless to integrate email marketing into your mobile or web applications.

Pick the platform that works for YOU

Creating and sending emails is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with the right email platform.

If you want more from your ESP, the hunt for the perfect tool can feel a bit like flying a kite in a thunderstorm. Luckily for you, our very own Erin already did the legwork and compared the top 10.

Channel your inner Ben and find the perfect ESP that'll electrify your campaigns! ⚡️